Published: 15th December 2020

Make Magical Memories on the Maritime Mile this Christmas

Christmas Maritime Mile Treasure Trail

The Maritime Mile truly comes alive during the festive season – explore the Christmas Maritime Mile Treasure Trail and gear up for the holiday season!

This is a real-life festive adventure that will fuel the imagination and get you exploring Belfast’s iconic waterfront, while tracking down some mischievous elves and enjoying some festive cheer. There are 18 stops along the way with questions, clues, facts and challenges all of which can be easily found on a series of information panels along the self-guided route. Everyone who completes the experience will get their very own Maritime Mile certificate.

Launched earlier this year, the joint initiative between the Maritime Belfast Trust and Belfast Harbour saw thousands of people download the free map and attracted huge interaction on social media.   It has been such a huge success that the Maritime Belfast Trust has announced it will extend the experience during December and January.

The treasure trail will bring you along both sides of the River Lagan. Starting from City Quays, make your way past the AC Hotel Belfast and under the M3 underpass towards the Big Fish. Cross over the Lagan Weir Footbridge and along the waterfront towards Titanic Belfast. Venturing down the Titanic Walkway you will see the Great Light and HMS Caroline with the final stop at the historic Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House.

While strolling along the waterfront enjoy the array of dazzling Christmas lights at the marina and Hamilton Dock and look out for our iconic landmarks which will be lighting up red, including the Big Fish, Titanic Belfast, Titanic Hotel Belfast and the Great light. Walk a little further to St Joseph’s Church in Sailortown to enjoy their festive trees, lighting and projections in a unique walk-through experience.

Don’t forget to look out for the magical Christmas elves along the Maritime Mile and share your selfies on the Maritime Mile social channels using #MaritimeMile. PLUS sample some of the amazing coffee & food stops along the way and enjoy plenty of fresh air!

During your visit, be sure to enjoy the festive food offerings including Novelli at City Quay’s delicious new Winter menu, CARGO by Vertigo’s new Christmas menu, and private dining experience like no other in Titanic Hotel Belfast’s Gingerbread House! Or grab a light bite and hot drink from the ARC retailers including Paper Cup, Spar Titanic Quarter, the Dock Café and Subway. You can help your loved ones plan their next trip to the Maritime Mile, with special deals on Vertigo Christmas vouchers and a Trio of Treat gift vouchers available at Titanic Hotel Belfast. Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic will be reopening this Friday 18th December too, so be sure to take advantage of their Kids go free and parking offers running throughout the festive season – don’t forget to book in advance!

The trail extension coincides with the launch of a brand-new maritime mile website.  Maritime-mile.com is a new mobile responsive website that will help visitors plan their next visit to the Maritime Mile.  Features include an interactive map, things to see and do along Belfast’s iconic waterfront, great ideas for a great day e.g. from the Glass of Thrones stained glass windows and public art walking trails, to unique eateries and first-class accommodation and  a get to know the Mile from the local neighbourhood experts;  from Sailortown to Titanic Quarter, visitors can read blogs from NI playwright Dan Gordon and a former H&W employee to really get to know the Maritime Mile past and present!

Please remember to follow current public health guidance, don’t gather in large groups and keep your distance from others.  The Christmas Maritime Mile Treasure Trail is an outdoor experience and can easily be enjoyed whilst following social distancing guidelines.

For further information about Christmas on the mile visit >> maritime-mile.com